On the Priesthood

On the Priesthood is a collection of essays by Blessed Alvaro del Portillo that offers a profound exploration of the Catholic priesthood, especially rooted in the teachings of the Second Vatican Council. Drawing on his unique role as secretary of the commission that drafted Presbyterorum Ordinis, Blessed Alvaro examines the decree and explains the priest’s identity, consecration, mission, spirituality, and pastoral service with theological depth and practical clarity. He shows how the ministerial priesthood is united to Christ’s priesthood and ordered to the evangelization and sanctification of the world.

More than a commentary on Presbyterorum Ordinis, Blessed Alvaro’s book is an enduring spiritual guide, showing how a priest’s identity flows from his consecration and is lived out in generous service to Christ and to the members of his Body, the Church.

• This Spiritual Guide: Explores the theology and spirituality of the priesthood
• It Is Written For: Priests, seminarians, deacons, theology students, and lay Catholics seeking a deeper understanding of the Church’s teaching
• This Book Addresses: Priestly formation, celibacy, pastoral ministry, holiness, and the relationship between the ministerial priesthood and the common priesthood of the faithful

Blessed Alvaro del Portillo (1914–1994) was a priest, bishop, and collaborator of St. Josemaria Escriva. Born in Madrid in 1914 and trained as an engineer, he later earned doctorates in history and canon law. He was among the first priests of Opus Dei. Blessed Alvaro served on several commissions at the Second Vatican Council. He succeeded St. Josemaria as head of Opus Dei in 1975 and was ordained a bishop by Pope St. John Paul II in 1991. He was beatified in 2014.